Cover Letter for Internship: Format & Examples

A cover letter for an internship application is an important document that helps you show off your education and skills to a recruiter.By writing directly to the recruiter, you have a chance to explain ‌what makes you the perfect candidate for any opportunity. 

This document should be formatted correctly and include relevant work experience, education, and skills.

Many internships are prestigious and will have many applicants for one or two positions, similar to a traditional job, and some of these internships will also offer a stipend or a full income. The likelihood that the recruiter will select you for the position can be increased by writing a polished cover letter.

Even if you are applying for an internship, recruiters will read your cover letter. You will find that it is easier to get the recruiter’s attention when you are willing to discuss more of your qualifications.

In addition, by utilizing the right keywords and including relevant experience, you can effectively show the hiring manager why you are suitable for this internship role. 

Examples and Templates

Free Editable Task Management Internship Cover Letter Sample for Word File

Free Editable Marketing Internship Cover Letter Sample 01 for Word File

Free Editable Research Internship Cover Letter Sample for Word File

Free Editable Designer Internship Cover Letter Sample for Word File

Free Editable HR Internship Cover Letter Sample for Word File

Free Editable Marketing Internship Cover Letter Sample 02 for Word File

    Anatomy of an Internship Cover Letter

    As you write your cover letter, it is important to follow the right format to make it look professional.

    This includes the following:

    You will need to create a header that includes your contact information, making it easier for the prospective employer to know who you are and how to contact you for an interview. Start the header with your full name, phone number, and email address to make finding the contact information as simple as possible. 

    The next step is to add more details so that it looks professional after the contact information has been included.

    EXAMPLE

    You can add the date of sending the letter and information about the hiring manager, such as their name and title, company name, and company address.

    Address the recruiter

    The next step is to begin with the right salutation. It is best if you can do this professionally, avoiding a generic salutation that may look like you did not put in any effort at all. Find out the hiring manager’s name and position within the company and use that as part of the salutation.

    For instance

    Addressing a letter “To Mrs. Amy Jones” rather than “To Whom It May Concern” demonstrates your interest in the position and that you took the time to find out who would receive it. It is a small detail that can help you get noticed.

    Opening statement

    Your opening statement will get you noticed and make the hiring manager pay closer attention to your application. Within a few sentences, you need to tell the hiring manager why you are the perfect person for this position and give them more of an idea of why you want to work there. 

    While writing the opening statement, tell the hiring manager your name and discuss which internship position you want to apply for. Then, in the next few sentences, mention some of the highlights of your educational background that make you the perfect fit for this internship.

    Body

    The body section should constitute the majority of the document. This is where you discuss numbers and the details of your skills, education, and accomplishments to show your suitability for the internship. Talk about how an internship at this company is valuable to you. In the two to three paragraphs, your goal is to show the hiring manager why they should offer you the internship. 

    Closing

    Your internship cover letter will need to have a closing section. This is your final chance to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Include a call to action, encouraging them to give you a call or email you to set up an interview, and re-iterate why this opportunity is valuable to you. Try to write these few lines persuasively in order to convince the hiring manager to offer you the internship. 

    How to Create a Cover Letter for an Internship

    Now that we’ve established what an internship cover letter is, let’s take a look at some of the steps to take in order to create one that will get you that internship. 

    Step 1: Describe your educational accomplishments

    Since an internship is a great way for you to gain some experience for a job after college, you will want to make sure that you focus more on your educational accomplishments for this position. Let the hiring manager know about the courses you have taken, your degree and other information that will pertain to the position.

    EXAMPLE

    If you are applying for an advertising internship, mention some of the classes you have taken in public relations and marketing and include any examples of your work from those classes. On the other hand, if you are looking into a business internship, consider talking about your coursework in entrepreneurship or business law. 

    Step 2: Mention your work experience

    In some cases, this internship may be your first experience in your chosen industry. If this is the case for you, then focus more on your skills and education. If you have had a chance to do other internships or have taken on some responsibilities at your job that relate to the internship, even if they are not in the same industry, then mention those as well.

    EXAMPLE

    If you work in fast food but have had a chance to help with ordering, scheduling, and managing a team of employees, this would be a great work experience to add to an administrative or business internship application. Similarly, if you have assisted other students with computer problems on the side and can demonstrate your knowledge of various programming techniques, you should consider mentioning this in your application for an IT internship.

    Step 3: Highlight your relevant skills and interests

    Highlight relevant skills you can share if hired for the internship. You can include skills you have gained from your projects, classes, volunteer positions, or previous jobs. Even if those jobs and projects did not relate directly to the internship, those skills could be useful, and you can impress the hiring manager, too. 

    EXAMPLE

    You may decide to apply for an internship at a local newspaper. If you worked as an editor or writer for your high school or college paper, mention those skills. In addition, if you have worked as an office receptionist, you can discuss how you learned to schedule employers effectively and the importance of proper time management. 

    Step 4: Describe what you would gain professionally

    An internship may not pay (though some do provide a stipend), but it can provide many benefits to the students and young professionals who pursue them. You may choose to do an internship while you are in school in order to learn more about the industry, gain more experience, work on your skills, and foster new relationships that will help you in your career. You may also choose to do an internship to help you decide which niche of a specific industry is right for you.

    Spend a little time highlighting what you hope to achieve and learn. You can mention your desire to gain new knowledge in the field or your passion for it. You can also mention your desire to use this opportunity to determine whether the position in question is a good match for your skill set and will help you advance your career.

    Step 5: Add a call to action

    Never end the letter without a good call to action. Give the hiring manager a chance to call you back. This can be a simple statement in the concluding paragraph of your cover letter. Writing something like “I look forward to hearing back from you to discuss this in more detail” can help encourage the hiring manager to call you and arrange an interview rather than ignore the application. 

    How Should I Send a Cover Letter?

    You will most likely send the cover letter digitally. This can be done through email or an application site. You must consider the approach the employer requests. If using an online application form, you might be asked to send the cover letter as an attachment. Otherwise, you can email it along with the resume. However, never paste it in the body of the email; instead, email it as an attachment and name the document appropriately so that the hiring manager knows what the attachment is. 

    Sample Cover Letter

    As part of the article’s comprehensive approach, a sample internship cover letter is included to illustrate effective communication strategies in the context of seeking valuable professional experience.

    SAMPLE

    Dear Ms. Lee,

    I am writing to express my keen interest in the Graphic Design Internship at Innovative Designs Inc., as advertised on your company’s careers webpage. Currently, I am a Junior at Boston University, majoring in Graphic Design, and I am enthusiastic about applying the knowledge I’ve gained in academia to a practical setting.

    My academic journey at Boston University has been a blend of rigorous coursework and practical projects. Specifically, my involvement in Advanced Graphic Design and Visual Communication has equipped me with substantial knowledge in digital art and design principles. For instance, my project in Visual Communication allowed me to develop a comprehensive advertising campaign for a local non-profit, demonstrating my ability to blend creativity with practical marketing strategies.

    Although I am at the early stage of my career, I have accumulated foundational experience that I believe will be beneficial for the internship. As a freelance graphic designer, I have worked with several local businesses, creating logos, posters, and digital content, which honed my skills in Adobe Creative Suite and brand development.

    I am particularly excited about this internship as it aligns with my skillset and my professional interests. During my time at Boston University, I developed a strong foundation in digital illustration and typography. Additionally, my voluntary experience as a graphic designer for the university’s student magazine has allowed me to develop effective communication and teamwork skills.

    Through this internship, I am eager to further develop my skills in innovative design and brand development. I am particularly interested in how Innovative Designs Inc. integrates cutting-edge technology in graphic design, and I believe your company provides the ideal environment for my professional growth. This opportunity will not only allow me to apply my academic learning but also help me decide on my future career path in the design industry.

    I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to Innovative Designs Inc. and am eager to bring my background in graphic design to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my education, experience, and motivations align with the goals of your internship program. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or alex.rivera@email.com to arrange a convenient time for an interview.

    Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with Innovative Designs Inc. and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.

    Sincerely,

    Alex Rivera

    Key Takeaways

    This letter serves as an effective guide for someone seeking guidance on writing a similar one for several reasons:

    1. The opening paragraph clearly states the purpose of the letter – applying for the Graphic Design Internship – and mentions where the advertisement was found, providing context to the recipient.
    2. The writer details their academic background, highlighting their major in Graphic Design at Boston University. This establishes relevance and shows the candidate’s educational alignment with the position.
    3. The candidate cites specific projects and courses, like the Advanced Graphic Design and Visual Communication courses, and describes their involvement in practical projects. This approach demonstrates the candidate’s skills and relevant experience effectively.
    4. The mention of freelance work provides evidence of practical experience beyond the academic realm. This showcases the candidate’s initiative and exposure to real-world graphic design challenges.
    5. The writer highlights how the internship aligns with the candidate’s skillset and professional interests, demonstrating that the candidate has researched the company and understands the nature of the internship.
    6. The candidate mentions their skills in digital illustration, typography, and teamwork. This helps the employer see the candidate’s potential value to their team.
    7. Expressing a desire to further develop skills and understanding in innovative design and brand development shows the candidate’s motivation and eagerness to learn. This is appealing to employers looking for interns who are enthusiastic about growing in their field.
    8. The closing paragraphs invite the employer to contact the candidate for an interview, providing contact details and expressing eagerness for further discussion.
    9. Ending the letter with a note of thanks is polite and professional, showing respect for the reader’s time and consideration.

    Best Practices

    As you work on creating your cover letter, there are a few guidelines you can follow to ensure it is professional.

    Some of the steps you can take to help create the best letter include the following:

    Use the right keywords

    Employers may receive hundreds of applications for highly prestigious internships. However, they may not have time to read each cover letter and resume to find the right candidate. Adding the right keywords makes it more likely that the employer will read your cover letter and consider you for the internship.

    Examine the company website and the job description carefully to see which keywords appear frequently. If the job description is looking for someone with time management skills, for example, try to adapt your letter to mention your time management skills. 

    Emphasize your ambition using hard numbers

    Nothing is more impressive to a hiring manager than information that shows deliverables. If you have some facts and figures about how you have improved things at a previous job or even in an organization you belong to, this can really improve your chances. Real numbers with percentages and growth always look amazing. Highlight it by writing it in bullet points to ensure the hiring manager focuses on that information.

    EXAMPLE

    I volunteered as an after-school tutor and helped a group of 10 students increase their testing scores by an average of 15%. 

    Match your cover letter with your resume

    The cover letter and resume will need to match. The cover letter is the perfect opportunity to go into more detail about the work experience, skills, and education you have added to the resume. While you do not need to go into great detail about every item on the resume, the employer should be able to see that it provides more details about the information found on the resume. 

    Use business letter format

    Make sure to use the business letter format to add an element of professionalism to it. This means that you need to include your contact information right at the top, so the employer does not have to search for it. Include the employer’s date and contact information, along with the appropriate salutation for the recipient. You should also sign your name at the end of the document. You can use email signatures if you need to send the document electronically.

    Individualize your cover letter

    Never write one cover letter and use it for every internship you apply for. The employer will notice that it is generic, and you will miss many opportunities. Make sure it is unique for each internship you apply for. Highlight the unique abilities and skills you have that relate to that specific internship. Make it your goal to convince the employer that you are an asset to them as an intern. This requires you to make a new cover letter for each internship you apply for. While there may be some overlapping information, they should be identical. 

    Provide specific examples

    If you have a skill or work experience to add to the letter, then provide specific examples. Numbers are great to prove that you are good at the work, but any examples of how you managed a team, helped customers, or did something else that would prove you an asset to the company can be mentioned. 

    Proofread

    Never submit a cover letter for an internship position without proofreading it first. Common spelling and grammar errors look unprofessional and ruin your chances of getting invited for an interview. Use some editing tools and review it before sending it. Consider having a colleague or someone you trust review it as well to ensure that it looks impressive.

    Conclusion

    A professional and well-written cover letter is a useful document to get your internship application noticed by the hiring manager and distinguish you from other applicants. This internship can improve your chances of having a great career in any industry because you can gain more skills and use them as you finish your studies and look for your first job. Follow the steps outlined above to create the ideal cover letter. 

    About This Article

    Megan V.
    Authored by:
    Award-Winning Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Executive Bios, Public Relations
    Megan V. is an acclaimed resume writing professional, celebrated repeatedly as one of the "Top Ten Best Resume Writers in the Bay Area," a title she proudly reclaimed in 2023. Transitioning from her extensive experience owning and steering a public relations agency since 2009, Megan has tailored her writing prowess to cater to individuals seeking standout resumes, compelling cover letters, and detailed executive bios.

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